A spokesman for the Westborough, Massachusetts-based membership-only warehouse club described Thursday's problem as "a technical issue with one of our internal systems," adding that it was "identified and addressed."

Customers were still able to place orders online while stores were temporarily shut.

Customers at the Howell location said on social media that store remained closed Thursday afternoon. The spokesman didn't immediately address a question from NJ Advance Media about how long the stores were closed.

There are 23 BJ's locations in New Jersey among about 210 in 16 states.